INICIAR SESIÓNChristie’s POVThe main wine tasting event finally started to wind down. The gallery staff began moving toward the back of the garden, opening the heavy oak doors that led to a private dining hall. A man in a sharp tuxedo stood by the entrance, holding a guest list. One by one, the important guests—the ones who actually mattered—were invited inside for a private dinner.Lyon finished his talk with the banker and walked back to me. He tucked my arm into his, ready to lead me toward the dining hall. We started walking, but we didn't get far before Anna and Diane appeared out of the shadows of the fountain. They tried to follow us toward the doors, their eyes fixed on the long table set with white linen and silver."Excuse me, ladies," the man at the door said, stepping into their path. "May I see your dinner invitation?"Anna pulled out her phone, showing the digital pass her friend had sent her. "We’re with the party. We’re already checked in."The man looked at the screen, then at hi
Christie’s POVThe evening moved from the main gallery hall into the private garden area. It was a beautiful space with stone paths and small trees wrapped in tiny white lights. The night air was cool, and for a moment, I thought I could finally relax. Lyon was standing a few feet away, deep in conversation with a high-level banker. They were talking about interest rates and property developments, and I didn't want to interrupt their business conversation.I stepped over to a small table to set down my empty glass. That was when I felt a shadow fall over me."So, this is the 'exclusive' event you were so excited about?" Anna’s voice was sharp and full of spite.I turned around to find her standing there, her neon pink dress clashing horribly with the natural greenery of the garden. She looked me up and down, a nasty smirk on her face."I have to say, Christie, your dress looks a bit... simple, don't you think?" she said, flicking her wrist to make her cheap sequins sparkle. "It’s ve
Christie’s POVThe drive to the gallery was smooth and quiet. Lyon sat next to me in the back of the car, his presence steady and calming. He looked perfect in a dark, tailored suit that made him look every bit the powerful businessman he was. I had chosen a simple navy dress that felt elegant but didn't scream for attention. After the noise at the house, the silence in the car was exactly what I needed.When we pulled up to the gallery, I could tell this was a different world. The building was a beautiful piece of modern architecture, all clean lines and soft lighting. The sidewalk was lined with expensive cars, and security guards in black suits stood at every entrance. As we stepped inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of expensive perfume and old canvas.The room was already full of people. These weren't just rich people; they were the kind of people who ran the city. They spoke in low, polite voices, and their movements were calm. As soon as Lyon walked in, the energy in
Christie’s POVThe rest of my shift at the lab went by much faster once Anna and her borrowed red sports car were gone. I kept my head down and focused on the data, trying to push the image of her smug face out of my mind. Around four in the afternoon, my phone buzzed on the lab bench. It was Lyon."I hope your day is going better than the morning started," he said, and I could tell he had already learned about Anna’s little show at the parking lot. He probably had security eyes everywhere."It's quieter now," I said, leaning against the counter."Good. Because I want to take you out again tonight," Lyon said. His voice was smooth and left no room for me to say no. "There is an exclusive wine tasting event at a private gallery downtown. It’s very restricted. Only the top business owners and investors in the city are invited. It’s the kind of place where people go to make real deals and not just to show off like some do."I smiled, thinking about the contrast between a high-level gall
Christie’s POVI stepped into the house, still feeling the warmth of Lyon’s kiss. My heart was light, and I was humming the song we had danced to on the rooftop. I started to walk toward the stairs, but I stopped when I saw a shadow moving in the kitchen.I turned the corner and saw Anna. She was sitting at the small kitchen table in the dark. She didn't have a glass of water or a snack. She was just sitting there, perfectly still. The light from the streetlamp outside hit her face, making her look pale and angry.She was staring at me with pure, cold jealousy. Her eyes followed me as I moved, but she didn't say anything. I didn't say a word to her. I didn't even say hello. I just turned around, walked up the stairs to my room, and went to bed.***The next morning, I was back in my element. The calm of the rooftop date with Lyon was still in my mind, but the lab required my full focus. I was wearing my white coat and gloves, careful
Lyon’s POVI sat on the sofa in Christie’s living room, listening to the sounds from upstairs. The stylist I brought was busy working, and I could hear the faint clinking of makeup brushes and the hum of a hairdryer. I checked my watch. I didn't mind waiting. After the weeks of blood and threats from the pack, sitting in a quiet house felt like a luxury.But the house wasn't completely quiet.Anna was standing on the other side of the living room door. She hadn't stopped trying to get my attention since I walked past her on the porch. She kept making loud noises, dropping things on the floor, and clearing her throat. Finally, she started talking through the wood of the door."Lyon? Are you still in there?" she called out. Her voice was pitched high and fake. "I was thinking, since Christie takes so long to get ready, maybe I could show you the new portfolio I’m working on. Or we could talk about the neighborhood. It’s much more interesting than medical talk."I didn't answer or look







